The relentless pursuit of improvement.
If Somsak Angaree had a mission, that would be it.
As lean manufacturing manager for the IMG region, he is passionate about lean principles and Kaizen, a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement based on small, incremental improvements that add up to significant change over time.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve processes on the line,” he says. “It’s about driving better production systems, eliminating waste, and then using that efficiency to fuel innovation with tools like 3D printing and advanced robotics.”
Somsak also is passionate about racing, and on race weekends, you can find him near a TV, intently watching Formula 1. But his interest in F1 isn’t just a casual hobby; it’s a source of inspiration.
"It's not just about watching the race," he says, "it's about learning how the teams plan and execute their strategies and applying those principles to achieve peak performance."
He carries this strategic mindset into his work, constantly analysing processes and seeking opportunities for improvement, much like an F1 team that analyses every aspect of a race to gain a competitive edge.
His love of F1 and strategy has inspired him to become a key player in Ford Thailand’s motorsport programme, where he helps connect Ford’s product development team and the professional race teams.
“We provide engineering support and even develop custom OEM parts to give our race teams the edge they need to win,” he says.
Take the race-prepped Ranger for example. “The Ranger's design presents unique aerodynamic challenges," Somsak says. "It's not exactly built for speed, but we've worked to manage the overall balance of the vehicle. This includes tinkering with the aerodynamics, lowering the vehicle, and making significant modifications to optimise its performance on the track."
This hands-on approach, combined with his knowledge of the Ranger platform, showcases his commitment to pushing the limits of what's possible.
Somsak’s journey at Ford began in 2005 with the vehicle personalisation team, where he played a key role in many special vehicle launches in Thailand, including the iconic Ranger Wildtrak. He has held various roles since, from the body shop to production management, where he was instrumental in ensuring a smooth and efficient production process. In fact, his relentless pursuit of improvement has earned him and the team the prestigious award of “The Best Productivity Improvement Award for IMG and China” back in 2018.
“We looked at steps in the production line that didn’t add any value, eliminated them and streamlined the processes, increasing output with minimal cost,” he says.
Outside of work, Somsak is an avid camper and snorkeler. Family holidays are often spent exploring the natural wonders of Thailand, such as Khao Yai and Surin National Parks. Surin, in particular, holds a special place in his heart. “That’s where I met my wife. We go back every year with our son. It reminds us of where it all started.”
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